Aurora is constantly evolving, growing each day. We are not just a small town on the map, nor are we a population of only four thousand people.
Looking back about twelve months ago, my journey began with the preservation of the Petch Log House. It was a remarkable experience for me to witness the deteriorating state of the log house before its restoration and to document my reflections here.
My search for more information about the town led me to Elizabeth Milner‘s book, Aurora 1945-1965: An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change. As I set out on a photo journey through the town in recent years, I found this book to be an invaluable resource.
Even if you were not born between those years, you can still find ways to relate to the town’s history. Milner’s meticulous compilation of 20 years of the town’s records offers insight into both the years before 1945 and after 1965. Her book provides a compelling look at Aurora’s past and future. Ultimately, it serves as a tribute to the people of Aurora who have made a lasting impact on the town.
Last year, around this time, a significant development occurred when Katherine Belrose stepped forward to assist in the preservation of the historic Petch log house. It is hoped that the restoration of the house has been completed by now, although its future location remains uncertain.
“The Anglican Sisters of St. John gave St. John’s Sideroad its name when their convent was built in 1931. In 1940s and early 1950s, the Convent was a busy place. The Sisters cared for girls with special needs such as: Downs Syndrome, autism and other problems.”
“They came each Sunday to morning service at Trinity Anglican Church, bringing the young girls for whom they cared. They sat at the front, on the north side of the church, under the pulpit. The sisters sat erect, silent and still in their penguin outfits. Usually their wards were silent and still too, but occasionally there was a strange noise wiggle, or turning head that was quickly corrected.” – 1958, Milner, page 94.
Nokiidaa Trail link boardwalk of St. John’s Sideroad is now established and well visited trail.
Wells Street Public School was sold last year. It is worth noting that Elizabeth Milner attended the school as a ninth-grade student for one year, from September 1951 to April 1952.
Next time you pass by the intersection of Yonge Street and Tyler Street, you will notice a significant change: the new commercial and residential complex that has been developed. However, some may argue that this development has also contributed to an increase in downtown traffic.
“James Murray cut a ribbon at the old Post Office on Yonge Street in September of 1960 to mark the beginning of door-to-door mail delivery in Aurora.” – 1960, Milner, page 167.
The historic Post Office on Yonge Street is the proud headquarters of our local newspaper, The Auroran. Founded by Ron Wallace, the publication has recently changed ownership.
“In 1961, the town’s IGA offered steak at seventy-nine cents a pound and prime rib roasts at sixty-five cents a pound. Oranges were fifty-nine cents a dozen and a cauliflower sold for twenty-nine cents.”
“Usually cakes were made from scratch, but if the housewife wanted to cheat with a newfangled cake mix, they were selling at two for thirty-three cents. That’s how it was in 1961 at the IGA Foodliner.” – 1961, Milner, page 175.
The sudden closure of the Foodland grocery store came as a complete shock to the seniors residing in the vicinity. The future of the building remains uncertain, with speculation that a youth center may potentially take its place, according to an article in the Era Banner. However, other possible locations are also being considered, so nothing is set in stone.
The proposed conversion of the Browning house into a Montessori school did not go as planned, leading to the decision to demolish the historic building. The demolition took place just days before Easter.
“In the December third Banner, letters to the editor showed that Aurora people were upset about changes in Aurora. One citizen complained about the trees coming down and the land being stripped down to bare clay near one of the best streams in town.” – 1959, Milner, page 152.
We continue to cut down trees in the area. Some trees need trimming or removal due to safety concerns, disease, or natural decay, while others are being taken down for development purposes or to make way for new projects. It’s always a delicate balance between maintaining green spaces and addressing the needs of urban growth. However, each tree removed leaves us with the question of how we can ensure our environment remains healthy and sustainable as we move forward.
“Highway 404, the Don Mills Parkway extension, was proceeding north and would pass three miles east of Aurora. John B. Wilkes, an engineer from the Department of Highways, spoke to the Board of Trade and assured them that Highway 404 would reduce traffic through the town by one third to one half. The first section of Highway 404 opened early in July.” – 1961, Milner, page 170; Aurora 1945-1965 An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change
Highway 404 is unlikely to undergo any significant changes in the near future. However, the fate of the historic Isaac Petch Farm house on Wellington Street is sealed – it is slated for demolition. Despite its historical value, the building will soon make way for new developments, marking the end of an era for this landmark in our community.
Elizabeth Milner in the book’s Afterward wrote: “I did not want to write a book about a “wonderful Aurora” of the past. This is often the kind of local history that results from reminiscences. The town was a good place to grow up. The people were good people. They helped one another, supported churches and social institutions as well as the needy in other provinces and countries; but everything was not perfect.
“Disputes about having a liquor store in town, the use of open land, the building of a shopping centre, Town Council decisions and other incidences might seem trivial to the reader, but they were heated issues at the time.”
It seems like some things never change in our town – we always find ourselves in heated debates about how to make a difference. Whether it’s about preservation, development, or environmental concerns, there’s always a divide between different viewpoints. Yet, in these discussions, there’s a shared desire for progress and a better future for our community.
